Planning an end of year party? Join us for a ready-made celebration at the 2009 Buying Business Travel Diamond Awards and Christmas Ball on Thursday, December 4, this year, at London's Hurlingham Club
ALTHOUGH MOST OF us will be thinking of the summer break ahead, it is not too soon to turn our thoughts to what has established itself as one of the social highlights of the business travel calendar: BBT's Business Travel Diamond Awards and Ball.
This pre-Christmas party, which provides an ideal opportunity to entertain key clients, friends, colleagues and staff, takes place on Thursday, December 4, 2008, once again at London's exclusive Hurlingham Club. This popular venue provides the ideal setting for both the awards ceremony - held during dinner - and the Christmas Ball that follows.
As anyone who has been to the event before will testify, it is a terrific night out. Last year, the dance floor was still heaving when the band finally called it a day in the early hours.
Tables are already being snapped up, with a worthwhile discount for those who book early.
The gala event, which is again being held in association with global travel management company RADIUS, will get under way with a Champagne reception, sponsored by AirPlus International - creating the perfect networking opportunity. The awards ceremony, hosted by Bob 'The Cat' Bevan, takes place during dinner, after which guests can then dance the night away to a live band at the Christmas Ball, once again being sponsored by the Hogg Robinson Group (HRG). And there will be a casino for the first time, sponsored by Air Astana.
The BBT Business Travel Diamond Awards are perceived as among the most valued and respected of all the accolades, representing the views of the industry's most important customers - corporate travel buyers and arrangers.
Airlines, airports, hotels and booking agents, rail and car rental operators, corporate card and technology providers, travel management companies and those who supply important ancillary services, such as car parking and lounge access - all are in line for awards in 26 categories, including BBT's unique buyer awards for the travel arranger, team and buyer of the year, which are being sponsored this year by Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Plus our "green" awards to the organisation and individual that have made the biggest contribution to the environment during the past year. And new this year is an award for the best innovative product or service.
Other major sponsors this year include BridgeStreet Worldwide, Diners Club International, SilverDoor and SSSource.
Initial nominations were sought from a panel of experts, comprising top buyers representing companies and organisations of all sizes, and a team of leading business travel journalists, and voting gets under way online (visit www.businesstravelawards.com) in mid-July. And there will be a voting form with the September/October issue of Buying Business Travel.
We look forward to seeing you there!